What are the responsibilities and job description for the Disability Determinations Examiner 1/2/3 position at State of Louisiana?
About This Job
The mission of the Louisiana Department of Health is to protect and promote health and to ensure access to medical, preventive, and rehabilitative services for all residents of the State of Louisiana.
Learn more about Louisiana Department of Health
The Disability Determinations Examiner 1/2/3 job titles are responsible for adjudicating disability claims filed under the Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income programs of the Social Security Administration (SSA) including but not limited to initial applications, reconsiderations, continuing disability reviews, reconsiderations, and special disability workload cases. This position requires knowledge of medical conditions, vocational factors, medical terminology, SSA policies, provisions, and procedures.
An Ideal Candidate Should Possess The Following Competencies:
Accepting Direction: The ability to be open and willing to follow guidance or instructions.
Learning Actively: The ability to pursue learning, seek feedback, and integrate new knowledge to improve personal and professional performance.
Making Accurate Judgments: The ability to assess options, weigh risks, and make sound decisions using available information and logical reasoning.
Adapting to Change: The ability to demonstrate flexibility in thoughts, behaviors, and actions in response to evolving circumstances or unexpected change.
Communicating Effectively: The ability to convey information, ideas, and emotions using structured communication methods that promote understanding and engagement.
Demonstrating Initiative: The ability to assess situations independently and take proactive steps to address them without being prompted or instructed by others.
Displaying Professionalism: The ability to uphold workplace standards through consistent conduct, responsible communication, and consideration for others.
Following Policies and Procedures: The ability to follow, reinforce, adapt, or develop policies and procedures to maintain compliance with federal and state legal requirements, State Civil Service rules, and organizational policies.
Managing Time: The ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and allocate time to ensure timely completion of work goals.
Thinking Critically: The ability to analyze information objectively, identify connections across sources, and form logical, well-supported conclusions.
Minimum Qualifications
Three years of social services experience; OR
Six years of full-time experience in any field; OR
A bachelor's degree.
Experience Substitution:
Every 30 semester hours earned from an accredited college or university will be credited as one year of experience towards the six years of full-time work experience in any field. The maximum substitution allowed is 120 semester hours which substitutes for a maximum of four years of experience in any field.
Job Specification
The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here.
Job Duties:
Job Duties and Other Information
Location: Disability Determination Services / Shreveport / Caddo
Appointment Type: This position may be filled as a Probationary appointment, Promotional appointment
Cost Center: 3071200107
Position Number(s): 50689136
Career Progression: This position may be filled as a Disability Determinations Examiner 1, 2, or 3 determined by the qualifications of the candidate selected. This position provides the opportunity to advance within this job series.
Compensation: This position is eligible for the following Special Entrance Rate (SER):
Disability Determinations Examiner 1 - $22.80 hr / $1824.00 bi-weekly
Disability Determinations Examiner 2 - $24.40 hr / $1952.00 bi-weekly
Disability Determinations Examiner 3 - $26.00 hr / $2088.80 bi-weekly
Individuals selected for positions with the Disability Determination Service (DDS) will go through a complete federal background investigation. A suitability determination by the Social Security Administration is necessary to determine whether an employee can be issued credentials in order to have access to Social Security disability data, records, and systems. Your conditional job offer and access to Social Security Administration's (SSA's) systems, data, information, and/or premises are contingent upon you passing the SSA suitability process.
How To Apply:
No Civil Service test score is required in order to be considered for this vacancy.
To apply for this vacancy, click on the “Apply” link above and complete an electronic application, which can be used for this vacancy as well as future job opportunities. Applicants are responsible for checking the status of their application to determine where they are in the recruitment process. Further status message information is located under the Information section of the Current Job Opportunities page.
Eddie Tompkins, HR Analyst
Eddie.Tompkins@SSA.gov
LA Department of Health
Division of Human Resources
PO Box 4818
Baton Rouge, LA 70821
225-342-6477
This organization participates in E-verify, and for more information on E-verify, please contact DHS at 1-888-464-4218.
LDH supports Louisiana’s commitment to being a State as a Model Employer (SAME) by promoting the recruitment, hiring, and retention of individuals with disabilities.
Information on the Louisiana Works, Louisiana Rehabilitation Services is available here.
LDH is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to recruit a highly productive and diverse workforce and will provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and prospective employees. Employment decisions shall be based strictly on merit and without regard to religious or political beliefs, sex, race, or any other non-merit factor.
Louisiana State Government represents a wide variety of career options and offers an outstanding opportunity to make a difference through public service. With an array of career opportunities in every major metropolitan center and in many rural areas, state employment provides an outstanding option to begin or continue your career.
As a State Employee, You Will Earn Competitive Pay, Choose From a Variety Of Benefits, And Have Access To a Great Professional Development Program:
Insurance Coverage More information can be found at https://info.groupbenefits.org/
Parental Leave – Up to six weeks paid parental leave
More information can be found at https://www.civilservice.louisiana.gov/Parental-Leave/Default.aspx
Holidays and Leave – State employees receive the following paid holidays each year:
Retirement – State Of Louisiana Employees Are Eligible To Participate In Various Retirement Systems (based On The Type Of Appointment And Agency For Which An Employee Works). These Retirement Systems Provide Retirement Allowances And Other Benefits For State Officers And Employees And Their Beneficiaries. State Retirement Systems May Include (but Are Not Limited To):
ADi: Accepting Direction - How well do you accept guidance, follow instructions, and adjust when given feedback?
ADi: Accepting Direction - Explain your selection by providing specific examples from your experience. Tip: Use the STAR method (situation, task, action, result) to explain how you have demonstrated this competency. Examples from work, military service, volunteering, education, or other life experiences are all valid.
03
LA: Learning Actively - How do you seek out learning and apply feedback to grow your skills?
LA: Learning Actively - Explain your selection by providing specific examples from your experience. Tip: Use the STAR method (situation, task, action, result) to explain how you have demonstrated this competency. Examples from work, military service, volunteering, education, or other life experiences are all valid.
05
MAJ: Making Accurate Judgments - How do you make decisions when faced with choices, risks, or limited information?
MAJ: Making Accurate Judgments - Explain your selection by providing specific examples from your experience. Tip: Use the STAR method (situation, task, action, result) to explain how you have demonstrated this competency. Examples from work, military service, volunteering, education, or other life experiences are all valid.
07
MT: Managing Time - How well do you manage your time, meet deadlines, and prioritize your work?
MT: Managing Time - Explain your selection by providing specific examples from your experience. Tip: Use the STAR method (situation, task, action, result) to explain how you have demonstrated this competency. Examples from work, military service, volunteering, education, or other life experiences are all valid.
09
To ensure compliance with LDH Nepotism Policy#41, if you have any immediate family members that are currently employed by LDH, please list the name and relationship. Please type “N/A” if no immediate family members are employed by LDH.
The mission of the Louisiana Department of Health is to protect and promote health and to ensure access to medical, preventive, and rehabilitative services for all residents of the State of Louisiana.
Learn more about Louisiana Department of Health
The Disability Determinations Examiner 1/2/3 job titles are responsible for adjudicating disability claims filed under the Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income programs of the Social Security Administration (SSA) including but not limited to initial applications, reconsiderations, continuing disability reviews, reconsiderations, and special disability workload cases. This position requires knowledge of medical conditions, vocational factors, medical terminology, SSA policies, provisions, and procedures.
An Ideal Candidate Should Possess The Following Competencies:
Accepting Direction: The ability to be open and willing to follow guidance or instructions.
Learning Actively: The ability to pursue learning, seek feedback, and integrate new knowledge to improve personal and professional performance.
Making Accurate Judgments: The ability to assess options, weigh risks, and make sound decisions using available information and logical reasoning.
Adapting to Change: The ability to demonstrate flexibility in thoughts, behaviors, and actions in response to evolving circumstances or unexpected change.
Communicating Effectively: The ability to convey information, ideas, and emotions using structured communication methods that promote understanding and engagement.
Demonstrating Initiative: The ability to assess situations independently and take proactive steps to address them without being prompted or instructed by others.
Displaying Professionalism: The ability to uphold workplace standards through consistent conduct, responsible communication, and consideration for others.
Following Policies and Procedures: The ability to follow, reinforce, adapt, or develop policies and procedures to maintain compliance with federal and state legal requirements, State Civil Service rules, and organizational policies.
Managing Time: The ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and allocate time to ensure timely completion of work goals.
Thinking Critically: The ability to analyze information objectively, identify connections across sources, and form logical, well-supported conclusions.
Minimum Qualifications
Three years of social services experience; OR
Six years of full-time experience in any field; OR
A bachelor's degree.
Experience Substitution:
Every 30 semester hours earned from an accredited college or university will be credited as one year of experience towards the six years of full-time work experience in any field. The maximum substitution allowed is 120 semester hours which substitutes for a maximum of four years of experience in any field.
Job Specification
The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here.
Job Duties:
Job Duties and Other Information
- Adjudicate disability claims filed under the Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income programs of the Social Security Administration in accordance with the Social Security Act, state laws, federal regulations, and Social Security rulings.
- Maintain a complex and diverse caseload of Social Security Disability claims and claims for Supplemental Security Income at various stages of development.
- Request and analyze medical evidence, nonmedical evidence, and reviews vocational factors to determine if additional evidence must be obtained, or if a decision can be made.
Location: Disability Determination Services / Shreveport / Caddo
Appointment Type: This position may be filled as a Probationary appointment, Promotional appointment
Cost Center: 3071200107
Position Number(s): 50689136
Career Progression: This position may be filled as a Disability Determinations Examiner 1, 2, or 3 determined by the qualifications of the candidate selected. This position provides the opportunity to advance within this job series.
Compensation: This position is eligible for the following Special Entrance Rate (SER):
Disability Determinations Examiner 1 - $22.80 hr / $1824.00 bi-weekly
Disability Determinations Examiner 2 - $24.40 hr / $1952.00 bi-weekly
Disability Determinations Examiner 3 - $26.00 hr / $2088.80 bi-weekly
Individuals selected for positions with the Disability Determination Service (DDS) will go through a complete federal background investigation. A suitability determination by the Social Security Administration is necessary to determine whether an employee can be issued credentials in order to have access to Social Security disability data, records, and systems. Your conditional job offer and access to Social Security Administration's (SSA's) systems, data, information, and/or premises are contingent upon you passing the SSA suitability process.
- Note: This covers the preliminary screening (pre-screen) and the final background
How To Apply:
No Civil Service test score is required in order to be considered for this vacancy.
To apply for this vacancy, click on the “Apply” link above and complete an electronic application, which can be used for this vacancy as well as future job opportunities. Applicants are responsible for checking the status of their application to determine where they are in the recruitment process. Further status message information is located under the Information section of the Current Job Opportunities page.
- Information to support your eligibility for the position must be included in the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education). Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completed education and experience sections. Applications may be rejected if incomplete. For information on how to check your application status and understand status updates, please click HERE.
Eddie Tompkins, HR Analyst
Eddie.Tompkins@SSA.gov
LA Department of Health
Division of Human Resources
PO Box 4818
Baton Rouge, LA 70821
225-342-6477
This organization participates in E-verify, and for more information on E-verify, please contact DHS at 1-888-464-4218.
LDH supports Louisiana’s commitment to being a State as a Model Employer (SAME) by promoting the recruitment, hiring, and retention of individuals with disabilities.
Information on the Louisiana Works, Louisiana Rehabilitation Services is available here.
LDH is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to recruit a highly productive and diverse workforce and will provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and prospective employees. Employment decisions shall be based strictly on merit and without regard to religious or political beliefs, sex, race, or any other non-merit factor.
Louisiana State Government represents a wide variety of career options and offers an outstanding opportunity to make a difference through public service. With an array of career opportunities in every major metropolitan center and in many rural areas, state employment provides an outstanding option to begin or continue your career.
As a State Employee, You Will Earn Competitive Pay, Choose From a Variety Of Benefits, And Have Access To a Great Professional Development Program:
Insurance Coverage More information can be found at https://info.groupbenefits.org/
Parental Leave – Up to six weeks paid parental leave
More information can be found at https://www.civilservice.louisiana.gov/Parental-Leave/Default.aspx
Holidays and Leave – State employees receive the following paid holidays each year:
- New Year's Day
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day,
- Mardi Gras,
- Good Friday,
- Memorial Day,
- Independence Day,
- Labor Day,
- Veteran's Day,
- Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
- Additional holidays may be proclaimed by the Governor
Retirement – State Of Louisiana Employees Are Eligible To Participate In Various Retirement Systems (based On The Type Of Appointment And Agency For Which An Employee Works). These Retirement Systems Provide Retirement Allowances And Other Benefits For State Officers And Employees And Their Beneficiaries. State Retirement Systems May Include (but Are Not Limited To):
- Louisiana State Employees Retirement System (www.lasersonline.org). LASERS has provided this video to give you more detailed information about their system
- Teacher's Retirement System of Louisiana (www.trsl.org),
- Louisiana School Employees Retirement System (www.lsers.net), among others
ADi: Accepting Direction - How well do you accept guidance, follow instructions, and adjust when given feedback?
- I resist direction, ignore feedback, and need reminders to complete tasks.
- I follow direction with reminders and often need clarification or support.
- I follow direction reliably, adjust to feedback, and complete tasks on time.
- I adapt quickly, follow through, and help others adjust as needed.
ADi: Accepting Direction - Explain your selection by providing specific examples from your experience. Tip: Use the STAR method (situation, task, action, result) to explain how you have demonstrated this competency. Examples from work, military service, volunteering, education, or other life experiences are all valid.
03
LA: Learning Actively - How do you seek out learning and apply feedback to grow your skills?
- I avoid learning, feedback, or collaboration and show little interest in developing my skills.
- I set basic learning goals and participate occasionally, but I don’t always apply what I learn.
- I set clear learning goals, apply new skills, use feedback, and help others learn when I can.
- I seek growth through reflection, feedback, and collaboration. I mentor others and model lifelong learning.
LA: Learning Actively - Explain your selection by providing specific examples from your experience. Tip: Use the STAR method (situation, task, action, result) to explain how you have demonstrated this competency. Examples from work, military service, volunteering, education, or other life experiences are all valid.
05
MAJ: Making Accurate Judgments - How do you make decisions when faced with choices, risks, or limited information?
- I make reactive or delayed decisions and sometimes overlook risks, priorities, or potential bias.
- I try to weigh options but struggle when there’s uncertainty, competing priorities, or unclear outcomes.
- I make timely, well-reasoned decisions by using available information, context, and trade-offs.
- I make sound decisions in complex situations, lead others through ambiguity, and adapt as new information emerges.
MAJ: Making Accurate Judgments - Explain your selection by providing specific examples from your experience. Tip: Use the STAR method (situation, task, action, result) to explain how you have demonstrated this competency. Examples from work, military service, volunteering, education, or other life experiences are all valid.
07
MT: Managing Time - How well do you manage your time, meet deadlines, and prioritize your work?
- I miss deadlines, struggle to prioritize, and don’t use tools to manage my time.
- I complete some tasks but need reminders or get distracted by low-priority activities.
- I plan and complete work on time using tools and strategies to stay focused and on track.
- I balance competing demands, adapt to shifting priorities, and model strong time habits under pressure.
MT: Managing Time - Explain your selection by providing specific examples from your experience. Tip: Use the STAR method (situation, task, action, result) to explain how you have demonstrated this competency. Examples from work, military service, volunteering, education, or other life experiences are all valid.
09
To ensure compliance with LDH Nepotism Policy#41, if you have any immediate family members that are currently employed by LDH, please list the name and relationship. Please type “N/A” if no immediate family members are employed by LDH.
- Required Question
Salary : $2 - $24